Paterson pitches deep education cuts

The $5.2 billion in budget cuts proposed by Gov. David Paterson for the next two years will result in up to 10 percent cuts in already-budgeted state funding to Long Island school districts.

Paterson, who proposed the cuts Wednesday morning, will ask the state Legislature to approve them during a special session in Albany next week.

The state has a $1.5 billion deficit for this year and projects a $12.5 billion deficit next year. Paterson is proposing the $2 billion in cuts this year to protect against further potential debts. That comes out to $3.2 billion for next year; a two-year total cut of $5.2 billion.

If passed, the cuts will reduce the deficit for 2009-10 to $8.8 billion.

“Our actions on Nov. 18 can significantly reduce next year’s budget while closing the budget deficit at the same time,” Paterson said. “I recognize all areas of government will suffer these cuts. They will be painful. It is a result of increased spending for years and years and the downfall on Wall Street.”

In addition to reducing the growth in the education budget from 9 percent to 5 percent, saving a potential $800 million, Paterson also proposed reducing the growth of the health care and Medicaid budget from 2 percent to 1 percent. That would save about $572 million.

Even with the proposed cuts, there is still $1 billion more education funding in this year’s state budget, as well as $145 million more in Medicaid and health care funding than last year, Paterson said.

But state Budget Director Laura Anglin said the education cuts are not being made uniformly.

She said low wealth, at-risk school districts will be asked for a smaller reduction in funds than wealthier districts, many of which are located on Long Island.

She said poor school districts will be asked for a 3 percent reduction while richer ones will see a 9 percent to 10 percent dip.

“If we did it across the board, the poorest school districts will not be able to manage their reductions,” Anglin said.

Paterson said he hoped the reductions would not force school districts to raise property taxes because 80 percent of school districts in the state have reserve funds that can cover the cost of the reduction, and many can save money by being more efficient and not hamper the quality of education provided.

He said in 2006, New York state spent $14,884 per pupil, the highest in the country and 63 percent above the national average.

I would say they would be difficult cuts,” Paterson said. “I am well aware of that. But I do not see any other option at this time.”

Other cost-cutting proposals made by Paterson include asking unions to postpone scheduled 3 percent salary increases for 2009 as well as implement a five-day payment deferment plan.

He also proposed raising tuition at state universities by $600 a year, or $300 per semester.

Anglin added that local aid to cities and villages will not reduced, but also will not be increased next year.